In this episode of the Football Coaching Podcast, host Daniel Chamberlain is joined by Coach Chris Cole to discuss high-pressure defensive strategies in football, particularly focusing on how to implement and adapt these techniques. They explore the concept of drinking from the fire hose as a new head coach, referencing experiences from both small school levels and powerhouse programs like Bixby.

The conversation covers various defensive fronts, the importance of outside linebackers, and using tight fronts to disrupt offensive plans. They encourage coaches to simplify reads for players to eliminate analysis paralysis and share insights on effective halftime adjustments. The episode closes with their personal 'level up' moments, highlighting recent learnings and strategies for continued coaching development.

As most of our seasons have come to an end, it’s time to take note of the good and bad from the last 10+ weeks. There has no doubt been some highlights that you’ve handled perfectly… and some lowlights of things you just weren’t prepared for.

On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the methodical evaluation of your program, from what makes up an evaluation, why you need to do it now, and how to carry it out without forgetting anything.

Football is the greatest game ever. EVER! But, that doesn’t mean it comes without its issues. Unfortunately, most of those issues we bring on ourselves.

On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain discuss the newest issues they’re seeing in their respective states, how recruiting and NIL have helped and hurt High School Football, and how a “transfer portal” is good, bad, and ugly.

Building a successful program is something most coaches dream of. Sure, taking over a juggernaut and continuing that success is great… but building from the ground up and breaking through to new levels of success is what we nearly all have an urge for. But, what does a successful program look like? What are the building blocks that make it up?

On this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by James Ransom to talk just that! What does success look like, how can we start shaping our program in that direction, and can any program actually achieve success…

Combo blocking is the key to your Zone run game, and maybe your gap scheme too. They could be the most important blocks your offensive line will make all year. But, the most important part of any system needs to be coached the hardest.

On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss what combo blocks are, why we use them, and how to coach them to ensure they are executed correctly on game day.

The playoffs are a magical time for football coaches, players, and teams. But, they do not come without their own hurdles. It’s always great to coach the extra games, but you’ll find there’s a little more to it than your regular game week.

On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain breakdown the advantages and disadvantages to playing a new or unknown opponent, as well as some things you can do to better prepare for the game.

Bracket coverages are an advanced way to help lock down, or eliminate the threat of, a star WR. You can also use it to cover a bunched group of WRs.

On this episode Joe and Daniel talk all things double coverage, what it is, why you need to carry it, and how to best utilize it in your base defenses.

Shifts and Motions, also known as “Window Dressing,” are growing exponentially in High School football. Not only are they growing in frequency, but in complexity as well. Throwing shifts and motions into an already efficient offense can lead to explosive results!

On this episode Joe and Daniel are discussing what shifts and motions are, why they use them in their offenses, and how they gameplan to make use of shifts and motions.

What is a Turnover Culture?

• Nick Saban put it best, “The ball, the ball, the ball!” Defenses must get the ball back for the offense
• If you’re thriving in turnover culture, your players are constantly thinking about getting the ball out.
• Most HS teams struggle to emphasize it

Why is it hard to commit to in High School?

• We’re usually having to focus on more basic principles, such as alignment or run fits.
• Facing multiple offensive schemes at the High School level means we’re constantly having to coach the basics and struggle to move on to more advanced philosophies

How can we use this mindset in our system?

• Develop drills that highlight a fundamental of defense, such as tackling, and then add a ball security piece to the end of it.
• Practice ball security/strip drills every week.
• Keep your defensive scheme simple so you can move on to more advanced tactics.

Every coach identifies the games on their schedule each year that are winnable, and those that just aren’t. We often have that game on the schedule that if we found a way to win, would be considered an upset. But, what is the magic behind the upset, and how can we get there?

On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss what makes up an upset, why it’s so important for your program, and how to approach the big game weeks.

There are MANY situations that play out during a football game. It’s hard to pinpoint any one that’s the MOST or LEAST important. But, without a doubt, playing defense in the Red Zone is very important. 

On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the importance of Red Zone Defense, why we’re forced to make changes to our base defense in the Red Zone, and how you can scheme those changes up for your next game.